Arylcycloakyl-substituted alkanoic acid derivatives useful as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (ppar) ligands for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and diabetes

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises compounds and compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders and more particularly, those insulin-related metabolic disorders of the blood such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, insulin-resistence and the like comprising acetic acid derivatives with arylcycloalkyl-substituted alkanoic acid derivatives and their salts. Known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) agonists/antagonists, the invention relates to compounds of the formula I  
                 
wherein the various substituent R-groups are more specifically defined herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2005/008282 filed on Jul. 30, 2005 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety which also claims the benefit of priority of German Patent Application No. 10/2004 039509.80 filed on Aug. 14, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to compounds and compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders and more particularly, those insulin-related metabolic disorders of the blood such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes and the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to compounds that therapeutically modulation and control lipid and/or carbohydrate metabolism and are thus suitable for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, and the diverse manifestations thereof. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to arylcycloalkyl-substituted alkanoic acid derivatives, their salts and functional derivatives thereof as well as methods for their preparation and formulation as pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of said disorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compounds comprising structures similar to the arylcycloalkyl-substituted alkanoic acid derivatives and their salts as described herein are known and have also been described in the art for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and diabetes. See U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,440 to Jayyoshi et. Al.

The arylcycloalkyl-substituted alkanoic acid derivative compounds of the present invention are highly effective in the therapeutic modulation of lipid and/or carbohydrate metabolism and are therefore useful in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases such as type-2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, and the many other diverse cardiovascular, among others, manifestations arising therefrom. These compounds have been found to exhibit peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist/antagonist activity, in particular, an excellent PPARalpha modulatory effect as well as a correspondingly excellent PPARgamma modulatory effect.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are transducer proteins belonging to the steroid/thyroid/retinoid receptor superfamily. The PPAR receptors were originally identified as orphan receptors without known ligands, but were known for their ability to mediate the pleiotropic effects of fatty acid peroxisome proliferators. These receptors function as ligand-regulated transcription factors that control the expression of target genes by binding to their responsive DNA sequences as heterodimers with RXR. The target genes encode enzymes involved in a number of metabolic and cell growth/cell proliferation/cell differentiation inductions. These then provide targets for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of metabolic and central nervous system disorders, among others.

PPAR agonists are well known and have been described in the prior art, (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,995 to De La Brouse-Elwood et. al.; WO 03/043997 to Johnston et. al. and WO 01/00603 and WO 02/092590 to Keil et. al.) Compounds comprising an oxadiazolone feature as inhibitors of factor Xa were disclosed in DE 101 12 768 A=b 1 =l and oxodiazolones have also been described as oral hypoglycemic agents in WO 96/13264.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises compounds and compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders and more particularly, those insulin-related metabolic disorders of the blood such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, insulin-resistence and the like comprising arylcycloalkyl-substituted alkanoic acid derivatives and their salts. Known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) agonists/antagonists, the invention relates to compounds of formula I

wherein the various substituent R-groups and other variables are more specifically defined herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises compounds and compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders and more particularly, those insulin-related metabolic disorders of the blood such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes and the like comprising arylcycloalkyl-substituted alkanoic acid derivatives and their salts. Known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) agonists/antagonists, the invention relates to compounds of the formula I

wherein

-   -   Ring A is (C3-C8)-cycloalkanediyl or (C3-C8)-cycloalkenediyl,         where in the cycloalkanediyl or cycloalkenediyl rings one or         more carbon atoms may be replaced by oxygen atoms;     -   R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting         of H, F, Cl, Br, CF₃, OCF₃, (C1-C6)-alkyl, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl,         SCF₃, SF₅, OCF₂—CHF₂, (C6-C10)-aryl, (C6-C10)-aryloxy, OH, NO₂;         or     -   R1 and R2 are optionally fused together with the phenyl,         pyridine, 1-H-pyrrole, thiophene or furan ring, partially         saturated or un-saturated, bicyclic (C6-C10)-aryl,         (C5-C11)-heteroaryl;     -   R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6)-alkyl,         (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, (C1-C3)-alkyl-(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, phenyl,         (C1-C3)-alkyl-phenyl, (C5-C6)-heteroaryl,         (C1-C3)-alkyl-(C5-C6)-heteroaryl or (C1-C3)-alkyl which is fully         or partially substituted by F;     -   W is CH or, N, if o=1;     -   W is selected from the group consisting of O, S or NR9, if o=0;     -   X is (C1-C6)-alkanediyl, where in the alkanediyl group comprises         one or more carbon atoms may be replaced by oxygen atoms;     -   Y is selected from the group consisting of CO, SO or, SO₂;     -   n is an integer from 0-2;     -   R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, F or         (C1-C6)-alkyl;     -   R5 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, (C1-C6)-alkyl;     -   R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, (C1-C6)-alkyl;     -   R5 and R6 may optionally be combined together as         (C3-C8)-cycloalkane-1,2-diyl;     -   R7 is selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6)-alkyl,         (C2-C6)-alkenyl, (C2-C6)-alkynyl, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl,         O—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkynyl, (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl,         (C6-C10)-aryl, (C5-C11 )-heteroaryl, O—(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl,         O-phenyl, NR10R11 which may be substituted by O—(C1-C6)-alkyl,         O—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkynyl, O—(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl,         O-phenyl, O—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, and where (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl,         phenyl, (C5-C11)-heteroaryl may additionally be substituted by         (C1-C6)-alkyl, un-substituted or fully or partially substituted         by F, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, un-substituted or fully or partially         substituted by F, Cl, Br, I, OH, NR10R11, CO—(C1-C6)-alkyl,         CO—(C6-C10)-aryl, CO—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, C(O)—O—(C1-C6)-alkyl,         C(O)—O—(C6-C10)-aryl, C(O)—O—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl,         SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SO₂—(C6-C10)-aryl, SO₂—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl,         wherein optionally, the alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups may be         further substituted by (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl;     -   R6 and R7 when combined together are         (C3-C8)-cycloalkane-1,1-diyl;     -   R8 is H or (C1-C6)-alkyl;     -   R9 is H or (C1-C6)-alkyl which may be substituted or         un-substituted by phenyl;     -   R10 is selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6)-alkyl,         phenyl, CO—(C1-C6)-alkyl, CO—(C6-C10)-aryl,         CO—(C1-C6)-alkyl-(C6-C10)-aryl, CO—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl,         C(O)—O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, C(O)—O—(C1-C6)-alkyl-(C6-C10)-aryl,         C(O)—O—(C6-C10)-aryl, C(O)—O—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl,         SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SO₂—)C1-C6)-alkyl-(C6-C10)-aryl,         SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl-SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SO₂—(C6-C10)-aryl,         SO₂—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, it being possible for alkyl, aryl and         heteroaryl to be further substituted by (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl.     -   R11 is H or (C1-C6)-alkyl which may be substituted or         un-substituted by phenyl     -   R12 is H or benzyl;     -   as well as their suitable salts, solvates and derivatives         thereof.

Preferably, compounds of the formula I are those wherein:

-   -   Ring A is (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkanediyl or (C₃-C₈)-cycloalkenediyl,         wherein the cycloalkanediyl or cycloalkenediyl rings may have         one carbon atom substituted with an oxygen atom;     -   X is (C1-C6)-alkanediyl, where in the alkanediyl group the C1 or         C2 carbon atom (with respect to Ring A) may be replaced by an         oxygen atom

More preferably, compounds of formula I are those in which:

-   -   Ring A is cyclohexane-1,3-diyl; r     -   R1 is (C1-C6)-alkyl or, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl; and optionally those in         which the substituent     -   R1 is located in the meta-position;     -   R2 is H;     -   R3 is (C1-C6)-alkyl;     -   W is CH, if o=1; or     -   X is CH₂—O—CH₂; or     -   n is 1; or     -   R4 is H, F;     -   R5 is H, F; or     -   R6 is H, F; or     -   R5 and R6 may optionally be combined together with the carbon         atom that carries them as (C3-C8)-cycloalkane-1,2-diyl; r     -   R7 is H, F, (C1-C6)-alkyl, phenyl, NHCbz; or     -   R8 is H; or     -   R12 is H, benzyl.

Most preferably, the present invention comprises compounds of the formula I

Wherein:

-   -   R1 is 3-(C1-C4)-alkyl or 3-0-(C1-C4)-alkyl;     -   R2 is H;     -   R3 is (C1-C4)-alkyl;     -   W is CH, if o=1;     -   X is CH₂—O—CH₂;     -   N is 1;     -   R4 is H or F;     -   R5 is H or F;     -   R6 is H or F;     -   R5 and R6 including the carbon atom that carries them comprise         (C3-C8)-cycloalkane-1,2-diyl; and     -   R7 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, (C1-C6)-alkyl,         phenyl, NH—C(O)-0-Ph;     -   R8 is H; and     -   R12 is H or benzyl.

The alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl groups comprising the substituents R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 and R12 may be either straight-chain or branched.

Aryl means an aromatic carbocyclic mono- or bicyclic ring system which comprises 6 to 10 atoms in the ring or rings.

Heteroaryl means is a mono- or bicyclic aromatic ring system having 4 to 11 ring members, in which at least one atom in the ring system is a heteroatom from the series N, O and S.

The compounds of the formula I comprise at least two centers of asymmetry and may optionally comprise more in addition thereto. The compounds of the formula I may therefore be in the form of their racemates, racemic mixtures, pure enantiomers, diastereomers and diastereomeric mixtures. The present invention includes all these isomeric forms of the compounds of the formula I. These isomeric forms can be obtained and isolated if necessary by well known methods in the art.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the claimed compounds are particularly suitable for medical applications because their solubility in water is greater than that of the initial or basic compounds. These salts must have a pharmaceutically acceptable anion or cation. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the compounds of the invention are salts of inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic, phosphoric, metaphosphoric, nitric and sulfuric acid, and of organic acids such as, for example, acetic acid, benzenesulfonic, benzoic, citric, ethanesulfonic, fumaric, gluconic, glycolic, isethionic, lactic, lactobionic, maleic, malic, methanesulfonic, succinic, p-toluenesulfonic and tartaric acid. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable basic salts are ammonium salts, alkali metal salts (such as sodium and potassium salts), alkaline earth metal salts (such as magnesium and calcium salts), trometamol(2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol), diethanolamine, lysine or ethylenediamine.

Even those salts with a pharmaceutically unacceptable anion such as, for example, trifluoroacetate, however, also fall within the scope of the present invention since these may also be useful intermediates for the preparation or purification of pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or for use in non-therapeutic in vitro applications.

The term “physiologically functional derivative” as used herein refers to any physiologically suitable derivative of a compound of formula I of the invention, such as an ester, which on administration to a mammal such as a human is able to form (directly or indirectly) a compound of the formula I or an active metabolite thereof.

Physiologically functional derivatives also include pro-drugs of the compounds of the invention, as described, for example, in H. Okada et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1994, 42, 57-61. Such pro-drugs can be metabolized in vivo to a compound of the invention. These pro-drugs may themselves be active or not.

The compounds of the invention may also exist in various polymorphous forms, for example as amorphous and crystalline polymorphous forms. All polymorphous forms of the compounds of the invention belong within the framework of the invention and are a further aspect of the invention.

All references to “compound(s) of formula I” hereinafter refer to compound(s) comprising arylcycloalkyl-substituted alkanoic acid derivatives of formula I as described above, a salt, solvate and functional derivative thereof as described herein.

This invention further relates to the use of the compounds of the formula I and their pharmaceutical compositions as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) receptor ligands. The PPAR receptor ligands of the invention are suitable as modulators of PPAR receptor activity.

As discussed briefly earlier, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) are transcription factors which can be activated by ligands and belong to the class of nuclear hormone receptors. There are three PPAR isoforms, PPARalpha, PPARgamma and PPARdelta, which are encoded by different genes (see Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR): Structure, Mechanisms of Activation and Diverse Functions: Motojima K, Cell Struct Funct., Oct. 18, 1993(5), 267-77). Which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Two variants of PPARgamma exist, PPARgamma₁ and gamma₂, which are the result of an alternative use of the promoters and differential mRNA splicing (Vidal-Puig et al. J. Clin. Invest., 97:2553-2561, 1996). Different PPAR receptors have different tissue distribution and modulate different physiological functions. The PPAR receptors play a key role in various aspects of the regulation of a large number of genes, the products of which genes are directly or indirectly crucially involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Thus, for example, PPARalpha receptors play an important part in the regulation of fatty acid catabolism or lipoprotein metabolism in the liver, while PPARgamma is crucially involved for example in regulating adipose cell differentiation.

In addition, however, PPAR receptors are also involved in the regulation of many other physiological processes, including those which are not directly connected with carbohydrate or lipid metabolism. The activity of different PPAR receptors can be modulated by various fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives and synthetic compounds to varying extents. For relevant reviews about functions, physiological effect and pathophysiology, see: Joel Berger et al., Annu. Rev. Med., 2002, 53, 409-435; Timothy Wilson et al., J. Med. Chem., 2000, Vol. 43, No. 4, 527-550; Steven Kliewer et al., Recent Prog Horm Res., 2001, 56, 239-63.

The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I suitable for modulating the activity of PPAR receptors, especially the activity of PPARalpha and PPARgamma. Depending on the modulation profile, the compounds of the formula I are suitable for the treatment, control and prophylaxis of the indications described hereinafter, and for a number of other pharmaceutical applications connected thereto (see, for example, Joel Berger et al., Annu. Rev. Med., 2002, 53, 409-435; Timothy Wilson et al. J. Med. Chem., 2000, Vol. 43, No. 4, 527-550; Steven Kliewer et al., Recent Prog Horm Res. 2001; 56: 239-63; Jean-Charles Fruchart, Bart Staels and Patrick Duriez: PPARS, Metabolic Disease and Arteriosclerosis, Pharmacological Research, Vol. 44, No. 5, 2001; Sander Kersten, Beatrice Desvergne & Walter Wahli: Roles of PPARs in health and disease, NATURE, VOL 405, 25 MAY 2000; Ines Pineda Torra, Giulia Chinetti, Caroline Duval, Jean-Charles Fruchart and Bart Staels: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: from transcriptional control to clinical practice, Curr Opin Lipidol 12: 2001, 245-254).

Compounds of this type are particularly suitable for the treatment and/or prevention of

-   -   Disorders of fatty acid metabolism and glucose utilization         disorders     -   Disorders in which insulin resistance is involved     -   Diabetes mellitus, especially type-2 diabetes, including the         prevention of the disease manifestations associated therewith.

Particular metabolic states/results achievable by treatment using compounds/compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to:

-   -   hyperglycemia,     -   improvement in insulin resistance,     -   improvement in glucose tolerance,     -   protection of the pancreatic β cells     -   prevention of macro- and microvascular disorders

Other metabolic disorders and their associated disease states suitable for the treatment and/or prevention resulting therefrom include:

A. Dyslipidemias and the disease states resulting therefrom such as, for example, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disorders etc, especially those (but not restricted thereto) which are characterized by one or more of the following factors:

-   -   high plasma triglyceride concentrations, high postprandial         plasma triglyceride concentrations,     -   low HDL cholesterol concentration     -   low ApoA lipoprotein concentrations     -   high LDL cholesterol concentrations     -   small dense LDL cholesterol particles     -   high ApoB lipoprotein concentrations

B. Various other conditions which may be associated with the metabolic syndrome, such as:

-   -   obesity (excess weight), including central obesity     -   thromboses, hypercoagulable and prothrombotic stages (arterial         and venous)     -   high blood pressure     -   heart failure such as, for example (but not restricted thereto),         following myocardial infarction, hypertensive heart disease or         cardiomyopathy

C. Further disorders or conditions in which for example inflammatory reactions or cell differentiation are involved:

-   -   atherosclerosis such as, for example (but not restricted         thereto), coronary sclerosis including angina pectoris or         myocardial infarction, stroke     -   vascular restenosis or re-occlusion     -   chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as, for example,         Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis     -   pancreatitis     -   other inflammatory states     -   retinopathy     -   adipose cell tumors     -   lipomatous carcinomas such as, for example, liposarcomas     -   solid tumors and neoplasms such as, for example (but not         restricted thereto), carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract,         of the liver, of the biliary tract and of the pancreas,         endocrine tumors, carcinomas of the lungs, of the kidneys and         the urinary tract, of the genital tract, prostate carcinomas         etc.     -   acute and chronic myeloproliferative disorders and lymphomas     -   angiogenesis     -   neurodegenerative disorders     -   Alzheimer's disease     -   multiple sclerosis     -   Parkinson's disease     -   erythemato-squamous dermatoses such as, for example, psoriasis     -   acne vulgaris     -   other skin disorders and dermatological conditions which are         modulated by PPAR     -   eczemas and neurodermatitis     -   dermatitis such as, for example, seborrheic dermatitis or         photodermatitis     -   keratitis and keratoses such as, for example, seborrheic         keratoses, senile keratoses, actinic keratosis, photo-induced         keratoses or keratosis follicularis     -   keloids and keloid prophylaxis     -   warts, including condylomata or condylomata acuminata     -   human papilloma viral (HPV) infections such as, for example,         venereal warts, viral warts such as, for example, molluscum         contagiosum, leukoplakia     -   papular dermatoses such as, for example, lichen planus     -   skin cancer such as, for example, basal-cell carcinomas,         melanomas or cutaneous T-cell lymphomas     -   localized benign epidermal tumors such as, for example,         keratoderma, epidermal naevi     -   chilblains     -   high blood pressure     -   syndrome X     -   polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)     -   asthma     -   osteoarthritis     -   lupus erythematosus (LE) or inflammatory rheumatic disorders         such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis     -   vasculitis     -   wasting (cachexia)     -   gout     -   ischemia/reperfusion syndrome     -   acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

The amount of a compound of formula I necessary to achieve the desired biological effect depends on a number of factors, for example, the specific compound chosen, the intended use, the mode of administration and the clinical condition of the patient. The daily dose is generally in the range from 0.001 mg to 100 mg (typically of 0.01 mg and 50 mg) per day and per kilogram of body weight, for example 0.1-10 mg/kg/day. An intravenous dose may be, for example, in the range from 0.001 mg to 1.0 mg/kg, which can suitably be administered as infusion of 10 ng to 100 ng per kilogram and per minute. Suitable infusion solutions for these purposes may contain, for example, from 0.1 ng to 10 mg, typically from 1 ng to 10 mg, per milliliter. Single doses may contain, for example, from 1 mg to 10 g of the active ingredient. Thus, ampoules for injections may contain, for example, from 1 mg to 100 mg, and single-dose formulations which can be administered orally, such as, for example, capsules or tablets, may contain, for example, from 0.05 to 1000 mg, typically from 0.5 to 600 mg. For the therapy of the above-mentioned conditions, the compounds of formula I may be used as the compound itself, but they are preferably in the form of a pharmaceutical composition with an acceptable carrier. The carrier must, of course, be acceptable in the sense that it is compatible with the other ingredients of the composition and is not harmful to the patient's health. The carrier may be a solid or a liquid or both and is preferably formulated with the compound as a single dose, for example as a tablet, which may contain from 0.05% to 95% by weight of the active ingredient. Other pharmaceutically active substances may likewise be present, including other compounds of formula I. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be produced by one of the known pharmaceutical methods, which essentially consist of mixing the ingredients with pharmacologically acceptable carriers and/or excipients.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are those suitable for oral, rectal, topical, peroral, i.e., sublingual and parenteral i.e., subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal or intravenous, administration, although the most suitable mode of administration depends in each individual case on the nature and severity of the condition to be treated and on the nature of the compound of formula I used in each case. Coated formulations and coated slow-release formulations also belong within the framework of the invention. Preference is given to acid- and gastric juice-resistant formulations. Suitable coatings resistant to gastric juice comprise cellulose acetate phthalate, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) phthalate and anionic polymers of methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate.

Suitable pharmaceutical preparations for oral administration may be in the form of separate units such as, for example, capsules, cachets, slow-dissolving oral tablets, each of which contain a defined amount of the compound of formula I; as powders or granules, as solution or suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion. These compositions may, as already mentioned, be prepared by any suitable pharmaceutical method which includes a step in which the active ingredient and the carrier (which may consist of one or more additional ingredients) are brought into contact. The compositions are generally produced by uniform and homogeneous mixing of the active ingredient with a liquid and/or finely divided solid carrier, after which the product is shaped if necessary. Thus, for example, a tablet can be produced by compressing or molding a powder or granules of the compound, where appropriate with one or more additional ingredients. Compressed tablets can be produced by tableting the compound in free-flowing form such as, for example, a powder or granules, where appropriate mixed with a binder, glidant, inert diluent and/or one (or more) surface-active/dispersing agents in a suitable machine. Molded tablets can be produced by molding the compound, which is in powder form and is moistened with an inert liquid diluent, in a suitable machine.

Pharmaceutical compositions which are suitable for peroral (sublingual) administration comprise slow-dissolving, oral tablets which contain a compound of formula I with a flavoring, normally sucrose and gum arabic or tragacanth, and pastilles which comprise the compound in an inert base such as gelatin and glycerol or sucrose and gum arabic.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral administration comprise preferably sterile aqueous preparations of a compound of formula I, which are preferably isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient. These preparations are preferably administered intravenously, although administration may also take place by subcutaneous, intramuscular or intradermal injection. These preparations can preferably be produced by mixing the compound with water and making the resulting solution sterile and isotonic with blood. Injectable compositions of the invention generally contain from 0.1 to 5.0% by weight of the active compound.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for rectal administration are preferably in the form of single-dose suppositories. These can be produced by mixing a compound of the formula I with one or more conventional solid carriers, for example cocoa butter, and shaping the resulting mixture.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for topical use on the skin are preferably in the form of ointment, cream, lotion, paste, spray, aerosol or oil. Carriers which can be used are petrolatum, lanolin, polyethylene glycols, alcohols and combinations of two or more of these substances. The active ingredient is generally present in a concentration of from 0.1 to 15% by weight of the composition, for example from 0.5 to 2%.

Transdermal administration is also possible. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for transdermal uses can be in the form of single plasters which are suitable for long-term close contact with the patient's epidermis. Such plasters suitably contain the active ingredient in an aqueous solution which is buffered where appropriate, dissolved and/or dispersed in an adhesive or dispersed in a polymer. A suitable active ingredient concentration is about 1% to 35%, preferably about 3% to 15%. A particular possibility is for the active ingredient to be released by electro-transport or iontophoresis as described, for example, in Pharmaceutical Research, 2(6): 318 (1986) which is also hereby incorporated by reference.

The compounds of the formula I are distinguished by favorable effects on metabolic disorders. They beneficially influence lipid and sugar metabolism, in particular they lower the triglyceride level and are suitable for the prevention and treatment of type II diabetes and arteriosclerosis and the diverse disease conditions which are a result thereof.

The compounds of the present invention according to formula I can be administered alone or optionally in combination with one or more secondary pharmacologically active substances which are effective in the treatment of metabolic disturbances or disorders frequently associated therewith. Examples of such additional active compounds are:

-   -   1. active compounds which lower blood glucose, i.e.,         anti-diabetic agents,     -   2. active ingredients for the treatment of dyslipidemias,     -   3. anti-atherosclerotic compounds     -   4. anti-obesity agents,     -   5. anti-inflammatory active compounds     -   6. active compounds for the treatment of malignant tumors     -   7. anti-thrombotic active compounds     -   8. active compounds for the treatment of high blood pressure     -   9. active compounds for the treatment of heart failure and     -   10.active compounds for the treatment and/or prevention of         complications caused by diabetes or associated with diabetes.

These compounds can be combined with the compounds of the invention of formula I resulting in a synergistic enhancement or improvement in the therapeutic effect. Administration of the active ingredient combination can take place either by separate administration of the active ingredients to the patient or in the form of combination products in which a plurality of active ingredients are present in one pharmaceutical preparation. Specific examples of the additional active compounds suitable for combination with those of the present invention include, but are not limited to:

1. Anti-diabetic Agents

Suitable antidiabetic agents are disclosed in the Rote Liste 2001, chapter 12 or in the USP Dictionary of USAN and International Drug Names, US Pharmacopeia, Rockville 2003. Suitable antidiabetic agents include all insulins and insulin derivatives such as, for example, Lantus® (see www.lantus.com) or Apidra®, and other fast-acting insulins (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,633 to Ertle et. al.), GLP-1 receptor modulators as described in WO 01/04146 or else, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,343 to Knudsen et. al. (Novo Nordisk A/S) both of which are incorporated by reference herein

The orally effective hypoglycemic active ingredients include, preferably, sulfonylureas, biguanidines, meglitinides, oxadiazolidinediones, thiazolidinediones, glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon antagonists, oral GLP-1 agonists, DPP-IV inhibitors, potassium channel openers such as, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No 5,889,002 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,310 both to Nielsen et. al., insulin sensitizers, inhibitors of liver enzymes involved in the stimulation of gluconeogenesis and/or glycogenolysis, modulators of glucose uptake, compounds which alter lipid metabolism and lead to a change in the blood lipid composition, compounds which reduce food intake or food absorption, PPAR and PXR modulators and active ingredients which act on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of the beta cells.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with insulin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are in combination with substances which influence hepatic glucose production such as, for example, glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors (see: WO 01/94300, WO 02/096864, WO 03/084923, WO 03/084922, WO 03/104188).

In another embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a sulfonylurea such as, for example, tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glipizide or glimepiride.

In a third embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with an active ingredient which acts on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of the beta cells, such as, for example, tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, glimepiride or repaglinide.

In yet another embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a biguanide such as, for example, metformin.

In a further embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a meglitinide such as, for example, repaglinide.

The compounds of the formula I may also be administered in combination with a thiazolidinedione such as, for example, ciglitazone, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone or the compounds disclosed in WO 97/41097 of Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation, in particular 5-[[4-[(3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-4-oxo-2-quinazolinylmethoxy]phenyl]methyl]-2,4-thiazolidinedione.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are in combination with a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor as described, for example, in WO98/19998, WO99/61431, WO99/67278, WO99/67279, WO01/72290, WO 02/38541, WO03/040174, in particular P 93/01 (1-cyclopentyl-3-methyl-1-oxo-2-pentanammonium chloride), P-31/98, LAF237 (1-[2-[3-hydroxyadamant-1-ylamino)acetyl]pyrrolidine-2-(S)-carbonitrile), TS021 ((2S, 4S)-4-fluoro-1-[[(2-hydroxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]acetyl]pyrrolidine-2-carbonitrile monobenzenesulfonate).

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a PPARgamma agonist such as, for example, rosiglitazone or pioglitazone.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with compounds with an inhibitory effect on SGLT-1 and/or 2, as disclosed directly or indirectly for example in WO 2004/007517, WO 2004/052902 and WO 2004/052903.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with an α-glucosidase inhibitor such as, for example, miglitol or acarbose.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with more than one of the aforementioned compounds, e.g. in combination with a sulfonylurea and metformin, a sulfonylurea and acarbose, repaglinide and metformin, insulin and a sulfonylurea, insulin and metformin, insulin and troglitazone, insulin and lovastatin, etc.

Lipid Modulators

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with an HMGCoA reductase inhibitor such as lovastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, ivastatin, itavastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a bile acid absorption inhibitor (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,245,744; 6,221,897 and 6,277,831 all to Frick et al, EP 0683 773, EP 0683 774).

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a polymeric bile acid adsorbent such as, for example, cholestyramine, colesevelam.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a cholesterol absorption inhibitor as described for example in WO 0250027, or ezetimibe, tiqueside, pamaqueside.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with an LDL receptor inducer (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,512).

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with bulking agents, preferably insoluble bulking agents (see, for example, carob/Caromax® (Zunft H J; et al., Carob pulp preparation for treatment of hypercholesterolemia, ADVANCES IN THERAPY (September-October 2001), 18(5), 230-6). Caromax is a carob-containing product from Nutrinova, Nutrition Specialties & Food Ingredients GmbH, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt/Main)). Combination with Caromax® is possible in one preparation or by separate administration of compounds of the formula I and Caromax®. Caromax® can in this connection also be administered in the form of food products such as, for example, in bakery products or muesli bars.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a PPARalpha agonist.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a mixed PPAR alpha/gamma agonist such as, for example, AZ 242 (Tesaglitazar, (S)-3-(4-[2-(4-methane-sulfonyloxyphenyl)ethoxy]phenyl)-2-ethoxypropionic acid), BMS 298585 (N-[(4-methoxyphenoxy)carbonyl]-N-[[4-[2-(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)-ethoxy]phenyl]methyl]glycine) or as described in WO 99/62872, WO 99/62871, WO 01/40171, WO 01/40169, WO96/38428, WO 01/81327, WO 01/21602, WO 03/020269, WO 00/64888 or WO 00/64876.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a fibrate such as, for example, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, clofibrate, bezafibrate.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with nicotinic acid or niacin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a CETP inhibitor, e.g. CP-529, 414 (torcetrapib).

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with an ACAT inhibitor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with an MTP inhibitor such as, for example, implitapide.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with an antioxidant.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a lipoprotein lipase inhibitor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a squalene synthetase inhibitor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a lipoprotein(a) antagonist.

Anti-Obesity Agents

In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with a lipase inhibitor such as, for example, orlistat.

In one embodiment, the further active ingredient is fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine.

In another embodiment, the further active ingredient is sibutramine.

In a further embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with CART modulators (see “Cocaine-Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Influences Energy Metabolism, Anxiety and Gastric Emptying in Mice” Asakawa, A, et al., M.: Hormone and Metabolic Research (2001), 33(9), 554-558), NPY antagonists, e.g. naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid {4-[(4-aminoquinazolin-2-ylamino)methyl]-cyclohexylmethyl}amide hydrochloride (CGP 71683A)), MC4 agonists (e.g. 1-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid [2-(3a-benzyl-2-methyl-3-oxo-2,3,3a,4,6,7-hexahydropyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridin-5-yl)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl]amide; (WO 01/91752)), orexin antagonists (e.g. 1-(2-methylbenzoxazol-6-yl)-3-[1,5]naphthyridin-4-yl urea hydrochloride (SB-334867-A)), H3 agonists (3-cyclohexyl-1-(4,4-dimethyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo-[4,5-c]pyridin-5-yl)propan-1-one oxalic acid salt (WO 00/63208)); TNF agonists, CRF antagonists (e.g. [2-methyl-9-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-9H-1,3,9-triazafluoren-4-yl]dipropylamine (WO 00/66585)), CRF BP antagonists (e.g. urocortin), urocortin agonists, β3 agonists (e.g. 1-(4-chloro-3-methanesulfonylmethylphenyl)-2-[2-(2,3-dimethyl-1H-indol-6-yloxy)ethylamino]-ethanol hydrochloride (WO 01/83451)), MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) agonists, CCK-A agonists (e.g. {2-[4-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-5-(2-cyclohexylethyl)thiazol-2-ylcarbamoyl]-5,7-di-methylindol-1-yl}acetic acid trifluoroacetic acid salt (WO 99/15525)), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. dexfenfluramine), mixed serotoninergic and noradrenergic compounds (e.g. WO 00/71549), 5HT agonists e.g. 1-(3-ethylbenzofuran-7-yl)piperazine oxalic acid salt (WO 01/09111), bombesin agonists, galanin antagonists, growth hormone (e.g. human growth hormone), growth hormone-releasing compounds (6-benzyloxy-1-(2-diisopropylaminoethylcarbamoyl)-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (WO 01/85695)), TRH agonists (see, for example, EP 0 462 884), uncoupling protein 2 or 3 modulators, leptin agonists (see, for example, Lee, Daniel W.; Leinung, Matthew C.; Rozhavskaya-Arena, Marina; Grasso, Patricia. Leptin agonists as a potential approach to the treatment of obesity. Drugs of the Future (2001), 26(9), 873-881), DA agonists (Bromocriptine, Doprexin), lipase/amylase inhibitors (e.g. WO 00/40569), PPAR modulators (e.g. WO 00/78312), RXR modulators or TR-β agonists).

In one embodiment of the invention, the secondary active ingredient is leptin.

In one embodiment, the further active ingredient is dexamphetamine, amphetamine, mazindole or phentermine.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are as administered in combination with medicaments having effects on the coronary circulation and the vascular system, such as, for example, ACE inhibitors (e.g. ramipril), medicaments which act on the angiotensin-renin system, calcium antagonists, beta blockers etc.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula I are administered in combination with medicaments having an anti-inflammatory effect.

In one embodiment, the compounds of the formula are administered in combination with pharmaceutical agents which are employed for cancer therapy and cancer prevention.

It will be appreciated that every suitable combination of the compounds of the invention with one or more of the aforementioned compounds and optionally one or more other pharmacologically active substances is regarded as falling within the scope of the claims of the present invention. The examples detailed below are provided to better describe and more specifically set forth the compounds, processes and methods of the present invention. It is to be recognized that they are for illustrative purposes only however, and should not be interpreted as limiting the spirit and scope of the invention as later recited by the claims that follow.

EXAMPLES

1) Determination of EC50 Values of PPAR Agonists in the Cellular PPARalpha Assay

The activity of the novel compounds of the present invention was tested as follows The potency of substances which bind to human PPARalpha and activate it in an agonistic manner is analyzed using a stably transfected HEK cell line (HEK=human embryo kidney) which is referred to here as PPARalpha reporter cell line. It contained two genetic elements, a luciferase reporter element (pdeltaM-GAL4-Luc-Zeo) and a PPARalpha fusion protein (GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD) which mediates expression of the luciferase reporter element depending on a PPARalpha ligand. The stably and constitutively expressed fusion protein GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD binds in the cell nucleus of the PPARalpha reporter cell line via the GAL4 protein portion to the GAL4 DNA binding motifs 5′-upstream of the luciferase reporter element which was stably integrated in the genome of the cell line. There is only little expression of the luciferase reporter gene without addition of a PPARalpha ligand if fatty acid-depleted fetal calf serum (cs-FCS) is used in the assay. PPARalpha ligands bind and activate the PPARalpha fusion protein and thereby bring about expression of the luciferase reporter gene. The luciferase which is formed can be detected by means of chemiluminescence via an appropriate substrate.

2) Construction of the Cell Line

The PPARalpha reporter cell line was prepared in two steps. Firstly, the luciferase reporter element was constructed and stably transfected into HEK cells. For this purpose, five binding sites of the yeast transcription factor GAL4 (in each case 5′-CGGAGTACTGTCCTCCGAG-3′) were cloned in 5′-upstream of a 68 bp-long minimal MMTV promoter (Genbank Accession #V01175). The minimal MMTV promoter section contains a CCAAT box and a TATA element in order to enable efficient transcription by RNA polymerase II. The cloning and sequencing of the GAL4-MMTV construct took place in analogy to the description of Sambrook J. et. al. (Molecular Cloning, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989). Which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

The complete Photinus pyralis luciferase gene (Genbank Accession #M15077) was cloned in 3′-downstream of the GAL4-MMTV element. After sequencing, the luciferase reporter element consisting of five GAL4 binding sites, MMTV promoter and luciferase gene was subcloned into a plasmid which confers zeozin resistance in order to obtain the plasmid pdeltaM-GAL4-Luc-Zeo. This vector was transfected into HEK cells in accordance with the statements in Ausubel, F.M. et al. (Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. 1-3, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1995). Then zeozin-containing medium (0.5 mg/ml) was used to select a suitable stable cell clone which showed very low basal expression of the luciferase gene.

In a second step, the PPARalpha fusion protein (GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD) was introduced into the stable cell clone described. For this purpose, initially the cDNA coding for the N-terminal 76 amino acids of the glucocorticoid receptor (Genbank Accession #P04150) was linked to the cDNA section coding for amino acids 1-147 of the yeast transcription factor GAL4 (Genbank Accession #P04386). The cDNA of the ligand-binding domain of the human PPARalpha receptor (amino acids S167-Y468; Genbank Accession #S74349) was cloned in at the 3′ end of this GR-GAL4 construct. The fusion construct prepared in this way (GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD) was subcloned into the plasmid pcDNA3 (from Invitrogen) in order to enable constitutive expression therein by the cytomegalovirus promoter. This plasmid was linearized with a restriction endonuclease and stably transfected into the previously described cell clone containing the luciferase reporter element. The finished PPARalpha reporter cell line which contains a luciferase reporter element and constitutively expresses the PPARalpha fusion protein (GR-GAL4-humanPPARalpha-LBD) was isolated by selection with zeozin (0.5 mg/ml) and G418 (0.5 mg/ml).

3) Assay Procedure

The activity of PPARalpha agonists was determined in a 3-day assay which is described below:

Day 1

The PPARalpha reporter cell line was cultivated to 80% confluence in DMEM medium (#41965-039, Invitrogen) which is mixed with the following additions: 10% cs-FCS (fetal calf serum; #SH-30068.03, Hyclone), 0.5 mg/ml zeozin (#R250-01, Invitrogen), 0.5 mg/ml G418 (#10131-027, Invitrogen), 1% penicillin-streptomycin solution (#15140-122, Invitrogen) and 2 mM L-glutamine (#25030-024, Invitrogen). The cultivation takes place in standard cell culture bottles (#353112, Becton Dickinson) in a cell culture incubator at 37° C. in the presence of 5% CO₂. The 80%-confluent cells are washed once with 15 ml of PBS (#14190-094, Invitrogen), treated with 3 ml of trypsin solution (#25300-054, Invitrogen) at 37° C. for 2 min, taken up in 5 ml of the DMEM medium described and counted in a cell counter. After dilution to 500 000 cells/ml, 35 000 cells are seeded in each well of a 96-well microtiter plate with a clear plastic base (#3610, Corning Costar). The plates are incubated in a cell culture incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ for 24 h.

Day 2

PPARalpha agonists to be tested are dissolved in DMSO in a concentration of 10 mM. This stock solution is diluted in DMEM medium (#41965-039, Invitrogen) which is mixed with 5% cs-FCS (#SH-30068.03, Hyclone), 2 mM L-glutamine (#25030-024, Invitrogen) and the previously described antibiotics (zeozin, G418, penicillin and streptomycin).

Test substances are tested in 11 different concentrations in the range from 10 μM to 100 μM. More potent compounds are tested in concentration ranges from 1 μM to 10 μM or between 100 nM and 1 μM.

The medium of the PPARalpha reporter cell line seeded on day 1 is completely removed by aspiration, and the test substances diluted in medium are immediately added to the cells. The dilution and addition of the substances is carried out by a robot (Beckman FX). The final volume of the test substances diluted in medium is 100 μl per well of a 96-well microtiter plate. The DMSO concentration in the assay is less than 0.1% v/v in order to avoid cytotoxic effects of the solvent.

Each plate was charged with a standard PPARalpha agonist, which was likewise diluted in 11 different concentrations, in order to demonstrate the functioning of the assay in each individual plate. The assay plates are incubated in an incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ for 24 h.

Day 3

The PPARalpha reporter cells treated with the test substances are removed from the incubator, and the medium is aspirated off. The cells are lyzed by pipetting 50 μl of Bright Glo reagent (from Promega) into each well of a 96-well microtiter plate. After incubation at room temperature in the dark for 10 minutes, the microtiter plates are measured in the luminometer (Trilux from Wallac). The measuring time for each well of a microtiter plate is 1 sec.

The raw data from the luminometer are transferred into a Microsoft Excel file. Dose-effect plots and EC50 values of PPAR agonists are calculated using the XL.Fit program as specified by the manufacturer (IDBS).

4) Determination of EC50 Values of PPAR Agonists in the Cellular PPARgamma Assay

A transient transfection system is employed to determine the cellular PPARgamma activity of PPAR agonists. It is based on the use of a luciferase reporter plasmid (pGL3basic-5xGAL4-TK) and of a PPARgamma expression plasmid (pcDNA3-GAL4-humanPPARgammaLBD). Both plasmids are transiently transfected into human embryonic kidney cells (HEK cells). There is then expression in these cells of the fusion protein GAL4-humanPPARgammaLBD which binds to the GAL4 binding sites of the reporter plasmid. In the presence of a PPARgamma-active ligand, the activated fusion protein GAL4-humanPPARgammaLBD induces expression of the luciferase reporter gene, which can be detected in the form of a chemiluminescence signal after addition of a luciferase substrate. As a difference from the stably transfected PPARalpha reporter cell line, in the cellular PPARgamma assay the two components (luciferase reporter plasmid and PPARgamma expression plasmid) are transiently transfected into HEK cells because stable and permanent expression of the PPARgamma fusion protein is cytotoxic.

5) Construction of the Plasmids

The luciferase reporter plasmid pGL3basic-5xGAL4-TK is based on the vector pGL3basic from Promega. The reporter plasmid is prepared by cloning five binding sites of the yeast transcription factor GAL4 (each binding site with the sequence 5′-CTCGGAGGACAGTACTCCG-3′), together with a 160 bp-long thymidine kinase promoter section (Genbank Accession #AF027128) 5′-upstream into pGL3basic. 3′-downstream of the thymidine kinase promoter is the complete luciferase gene from Photinus pyralis (Genbank Accession #M15077), which is already a constituent of the plasmid pGL3basic used. The cloning and sequencing of the reporter plasmid pGL3basic-5xGAL4-TK took place in analogy to the description in Sambrook J. et. al. (Molecular cloning, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989).

The PPARgamma expression plasmid pcDNA3-GAL4-humanPPARgammaLBD was prepared by first cloning the cDNA coding for amino acids 1-147 of the yeast transcription factor GAL4 (Genbank Accession #P04386) into the plasmid pcDNA3 (from Invitrogen) 3′-downstream of the cytomegalovirus promoter. Subsequently, the cDNA of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the human PPARgamma receptor (amino acids 1152-Y475; Accession #g1480099) 3′-downstream of the GAL4 DNA binding domain was cloned. Cloning and sequencing of the PPARgamma expression plasmid pcDNA3-GAL4-humanPPARgammaLBD again took place in analogy to the description in Sambrook J. et. al. (Molecular cloning, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989). Besides the luciferase reporter plasmid pGL3basic-5xGAL4-TK and the PPARgamma expression plasmid pcDNA3-GAL4-humanPPARgammaLBD, also used for the cellular PPARgamma assay are the reference plasmid pRL-CMV (from Promega) and the plasmid pBluescript SK(+) from Stratagene. All four plasmids were prepared using a plasmid preparation kit from Qiagen, which ensured a plasmid quality with a minimal endotoxin content, before transfection into HEK cells.

6) Assay Procedure

The activity of PPARgamma agonists is determined in a 4-day assay which is described below. Before the transfection, HEK cells were cultivated in DMEM medium (#41965-039, Invitrogen) which was mixed with the following additions: 10% FCS (#16000-044, Invitrogen), 1% penicillin-streptomycin solution (#15140-122, Invitrogen) and 2 mM L-glutamine (#25030-024, Invitrogen).

Day 1

Solution A, a transfection mixture which contains all four plasmids previously described in addition to DMEM medium, was prepared. The following amounts are used to make up 3 ml of solution A for each 96-well microtiter plate for an assay: 2622 μl of antibiotic- and serum-free DMEM medium (#41965-039, Invitrogen), 100 μl of reference plasmid pRL-CMV (1 ng/μl), 100 μl of luciferase reporter plasmid pGL3basic-5xGAL4-TK (10 ng/μl), 100 μl of PPARgamma expression plasmid pcDNA3-GAL4-humanPPARgammaLBD (100 ng/μl) and 78 μl of plasmid pBluescript SK(+) (500 ng/μl). Then 2 ml of solution B are prepared by mixing 1.9 ml of DMEM medium (#41965-039, Invitrogen) with 100 μl of PolyFect transfection reagent (from Qiagen) for each 96-well microtiter plate. Subsequently, 3 ml of solution A are mixed with 2 ml of solution B to give 5 ml of solution C, which is thoroughly mixed by multiple pipetting and incubated at room temperature for 10 min.

80%-confluent HEK cells from a cell culture bottle with a capacity of 175 cm² are washed once with 15 ml of PBS (#14190-094, Invitrogen) and treated with 3 ml of trypsin solution (#25300-054, Invitrogen) at 37° C. for 2 min. The cells are then taken up in 15 ml of DMEM medium (#41965-039, Invitrogen) which is mixed with 10% FCS (#16000-044, Invitrogen),1% penicillin-streptomycin solution (#15140-122, Invitrogen) and 2 mM L-glutamine (#25030-024, Invitrogen). After the cell suspension has been counted in a cell counter, the suspension is diluted to 250 000 cells/ml. 15 ml of this cell suspension are mixed with 5 ml of solution C for one microtiter plate. 200 μl of the suspension are seeded in each well of a 96-well microtiter plate with a clear plastic base (#3610, Corning Costar). The plates are incubated in a cell culture incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ for 24 h.

Day 2

PPAR agonists to be tested are dissolved in DMSO in a concentration of 10 mM. This stock solution is diluted in DMEM medium (#41965-039, Invitrogen) which is mixed with 2% Ultroser (#12039-012, Biosepra), 1% penicillin-streptomycin solution (#15140-122, Invitrogen) and 2 mM L-glutamine (#25030-024, Invitrogen). Test substances are tested in a total of 11 different concentrations in the range from 10 μM to 100 μM. More potent compounds are tested in concentration ranges from 1 μM to 10 μM.

The medium of the HEK cells transfected and seeded on day 1 is completely removed by aspiration, and the test substances diluted in medium are immediately added to the cells. The dilution and addition of the substances is carried out by a robot (Beckman FX). The final volume of the test substances diluted in medium is 100 μl per well of a 96-well microtiter plate. Each plate is charged with a standard PPARgamma agonist, which is likewise diluted in 11 different concentrations, in order to demonstrate the functioning of the assay in each individual plate. The assay plates are incubated in an incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ for 48 h.

Day 4

After removal of the medium by aspiration, 50 μl of Dual-Glo™ reagent (Dual-Glo™ Luciferase Assay System; Promega) are added to each well in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in order to lyze the cells and provide the substrate for the firefly luciferase (Photinus pyralis) formed in the cells. After incubation at room temperature in the dark for 10 minutes, the firefly luciferase-mediated chemiluminescence is measured in a measuring instrument (measuring time/well 1 sec; Trilux from Wallac). Then 50 μl of the Dual-Glo™ Stop & Glo reagent (Dual-Glo™ Luciferase Assay System; Promega) is added to each well in order to stop the activity of the firefly luciferase and provide the substrate for the Renilla luciferase expressed by the reference plasmid pRL-CMV. After incubation at room temperature in the dark for a further 10 minutes, the chemiluminescence mediated by the luciferase is again measured for 1 sec/well in the measuring instrument.

The crude data from the luminometer are transferred into a Microsoft Excel file. The firefly/Renilla luciferase activity ratio is determined for each measurement derived from one well of the microtiter plate. The dose-effect plots and EC50 values of PPAR agonists are calculated from the ratios by the XL.Fit program as specified by the manufacturer (IDBS).

PPARgamma EC50 values in the range from 1 nM to >10 μM were measured for the arylcycloalkyl-substituted alkanoic acid derivatives described in this application as defined generically by formula I below.

The substituents are more specifically defined as follows hereinbelow: And as set forth in Table 1

-   -   Ring A=cis-cyclohexane-1,3-diyl;     -   W═CH;     -   o=1;     -   R2=H;     -   R3=Methyl;     -   X═CH₂-0-CH₂     -   Y═CO;     -   n=1;     -   R8=H.

Cbz=benzyloxycarbonyl TABLE 1 Ex. R1 R12 R4 R5 R6 R7 1 3-CH3 H H cyclobutane-1,2-diyl H 2 3-CH3 H H H CH3 CH3 3 3-CH3 H H H H Ph 4 3-CH3 H H cyclohexane-1,2-diyl H 5 3-CH3 H F F F F 6 3-CH3 H H H H NHCbz 7 3-CH3 H H cyclopropane-1,2-diyl H 8 3-CH3 H H cyclopentane-1,2-diyl H 9 3-CH3 CH2-Ph H cyclobutane-1,2-diyl H 10 3-OCH3 H H H CH3 CH3 11 3-OCH3 H H H H Ph 12 3-OCH3 H H cyclohexane-1,2-diyl H 13 3-OCH3 H F F F F 14 3-OCH3 H H H H NHCbz 15 3-OCH3 H H cyclopropane-1,2-diyl H 16 3-OCH3 H H cyclopentane-1,2-diyl H 17 3-OCH3 H H cyclobutane-1,2-diyl H 18 3-OCH3 H H H H H

The compounds of the formula I of the present invention can be prepared by the reaction schemes set forth as Process A Process A:

In an inert solvent (for example acetic acid), the compound A-1 (3-aminobenzoic acid) is, at elevated pressure and at temperatures between 10° C. and 150° C., hydrogenated using hydrogen over a heterogeneous catalyst (for example platinum dioxide), which gives the compound A-2. Using thionyl chloride in an alcohol R8-OH, where R8 is as defined above (except for R8=H), this compound is converted into an ester, giving the compound A-3. Compound A-3 is then reacted with a benzyl halide (for example benzyl bromide) and a base (for example potassium carbonate or cesium carbonate) in an inert solvent (for example DMF, THF) to give the dibenzylamine A-4. Reduction of A-4 with a reducing agent (for example LiAlH4) in an ethereal solvent (for example diethyl ether or THF) gives the alcohol A-5.

In the presence of a base (for example sodium hydride or potassium tert-butoxide) and in an inert solvent (for example THF, MTBE or DMF), the compound A-5 is reacted with a compound B, prepared using literature procedures, to give the compound A-6 where R1, R2, W and R3 are as defined above. Using hydrogen over a heterogeneous catalyst (for example palladium hydroxide on carbon), the compound A-6 is hydrogenated to give the compound A-7 in which R1, R2, W, R3 and R12 are as defined above.

Compound A-7 is coupled with carboxylic acid derivatives C in which R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are as defined above. If dicarboxylic acid monoalkylesters C are used, the coupling is followed by an ester hydrolysis (using, for example, LiOH in HF/methanol/water for R8=methyl or ethyl). This gives compound A-8 in which R1, R2, W, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined above. If dicarboxylic anhydrides D are used, compound A-8 in which R1, R2, W, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined above is obtained directly.

According to this process, it is possible to synthesize examples 1 to 18 as described below.

The abbreviations used denote:

-   -   Ac acetyl     -   Bn benzyl     -   Bu butyl     -   iBu isobutyl     -   tBu tert-butyl     -   BuLi n-butyllithium     -   Bz benzoyl     -   Cbz carboxybenzyl     -   Cy cyclohexyl     -   TLC thin-layer chromatography     -   DCI direct chemical ionization (in MS)     -   DCM dichloromethane     -   DHP 2,3-dihydropyran     -   DMAP 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine     -   DMF N,N-dimethylformamide     -   DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide     -   EA ethyl acetate     -   EDC N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide×HCl     -   EI electron impact ionization (in MS)     -   equiv. equivalent     -   ESI electron spray ionization (in MS)     -   Et ethyl     -   sat. saturated     -   h hour     -   HATU O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium         hexafluorophosphate     -   HOBt 1-hydroxy-1H-benzotriazole×H2O     -   HPLC high pressure, high performance liquid chromatography     -   LC-MS liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectroscopy     -   Me methyl     -   MS mass spectroscopy     -   MsCl methanesulfonyl chloride     -   MTBE tert-butyl methyl ether     -   NMR nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy     -   Pd/C palladium on carbon     -   Ph phenyl     -   iPr isopropyl     -   nPr n-propyl     -   Rf retention ratio (in TLC)     -   RT room temperature     -   Rt retention time (in HPLC)     -   TBAF tetrabutylammonium fluoride     -   TBAI tetrabutylammonium iodide     -   e.g. for example

It is possible to prepare other compounds by the processes mentioned above.

Building block synthesis of the compounds of the formula D:

Ethyl methyl ketone is reacted with isoamyl nitrite and HCl in diethyl ether, which gives diacetylmonoxime (G. Buechi, J. Galindo, J. Org. Chem. (1991) 56(8), 2605-2606). This is reacted with m-methylbenzaldehyde and HCl in acetic acid to give 4,5-dimethyl-2-m-tolyloxazole 3-oxide (P. M. Weintraub, J. Med. Chem. (1972) 15(4), 419-420). This compound is boiled with phosphoryl chloride in chloroform, which gives 4-chloromethyl-5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazole (M. S. Malamas, R. P. Carlson, D. Grimes, R. Howell, K. Glaser, I. Gunawan, J. A. Nelson, M. Kanzelberger, U. Shah, D. A. Hartman, J. Med. Chem. (1996) 39(1), 237-245). This compound is heated under reflux with sodium iodide in acetone, which gives 4-iodomethyl-5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazole (A. Zlatkov, P. Peikov, J. Rodriguez-Alvarez, N. Danchev, I. Nikolova, J. Mitkov, Eur. J. Med. Chem. Chim. Ther. (2000) 35(10), 941-948):

C12H12INO (313.14), MS(ESI): 314 (M+H⁺).

Analogous to the building block synthesis of 4-iodomethyl-5-phenyl-2-m-tolyloxazole, diacetylmonoxime and m-anisaldehyde gave 4-iodomethyl-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazole.

C12H12INO2 (329.14), MS(ESI): 330 (M+H⁺).

Example 1 2-[3-(5-Methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylcarbamoyl]cyclobutanecarboxylic acid

Methyl 3-dibenzylaminocyclohexanoate and benzyl 3-dibenzylaminocyclohexanoate

At room temperature, 28.7 g of benzyl bromide and then 37 g of potassium carbonate were added to a suspension of 9.37 g of methyl 3-aminocyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloride in 78 ml of DMF. The mixture was stirred overnight. LCMS control showed that the starting material had reacted completely, giving a 1:3.5 mixture of methyl 3-dibenzylaminocyclohexanoate and benzyl 3-dibenzylaminocyclohexanoate. About 150 ml each of water and MTBE were added to the reaction solution, the organic phase was separated off, the aqueous phase was extracted again with MTBE and the organic phases were combined. This organic phase was washed with about 100 ml of water and then with about 50 ml of saturated NaCl solution, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. The residue was dried under reduced pressure, giving 23 g of the mixture as an oil. LCMS:

Methyl 3-dibenzylaminocyclohexanoate: Rt=1.243 min; C22H27NO2 (337.47), LCMS (ESI): 338 (MH⁺).

Benzyl 3-dibenzylaminocyclohexanoate: Rt=1.512 min; C28H31N02 (413.56), LCMS (ESI): 414 (MH⁺).

3-Dibenzylaminocyclohexylmethanol

At 0° C., 23 g of a 1:3.5 mixture of methyl 3-dibenzylaminocyclohexanoate and benzyl 3-dibenzylaminocyclohexanoate were added dropwise to a suspension of 4.4 g of LiAlH₄ in 250 ml of diethyl ether. The suspension was stirred at 0° C. for 2 h and then quenched using 2 ml of EtOAc, and 10 ml of 1 ON KOH were added. 50 g of MgSO₄ were then added and the suspension was filtered. The residue was digested with EtOAc for 2 h and filtered again. The filtrate was concentrated, giving the product as an oil. C21 H27NO (309.46), LCMS (ESI): 310.2 (MH⁺).

Dibenzyl-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]amine

5.0 g of 3-dibenzylaminocyclohexylmethanol and 1.72 g of KOtBu were initially charged in PhCl, and 7.59 g of 4-iodomethyl-5-methyl-2-p-tolyloxazole were added a little at a time. At room temperature and under an atmosphere of argon, the mixture was stirred for 2 days. Another 1.0 g of KOtBu was added, and stirring of the mixture was continued. The reaction was then complete. For work-up, water and MTBE were added, the phases were separated and the organic phase was washed with water and sat. NaCl solution, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated. Chromatography of the residue on silica gel (heptane/ethyl acetate 10:1→3:1) gave 7.0 g of dibenzyl-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]amine as a brown oil.

C33H38N2O2 (494.68), LCMS (ESI): 495.3 (MH⁺).

3-(5-Methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine and benzyl-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]amine

7.0 g of dibenzyl-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]amine were dissolved in 100 ml of MeOH, and palladium/carbon (10%) was added. The mixture was stirred at a hydrogen pressure of 5 bar and at room temperature overnight. For work-up, the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated.

This gave 5.8 g of a light-brown oil. This was separated by preparative HPLC, giving 2.0 g of 3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine and 0.5 g of benzyl-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]amine as brown oils.

3-(5-Methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine: C19H26N2O2 (314.43), LCMS (ESI): 315 (MH⁺).

Benzyl-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]amine: C26H32N2O2 (404.56): LCMS (ESI): 405 (MH⁺).

2-[3-(5-Methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylcarbamoyl]cyclo-butanecarboxylic acid

50 mg of 3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine were dissolved in 0.97 ml of DMF, and 32 mg of triethylamine were added. 22 mg of cis-cyclobutane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride were then added, and the solution was stirred at RT overnight. The solution was purified directly by HPLC, which gave 36 mg of 2-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylcarbamoyl]-cyclobutanecarboxylic acid. C25H32N2O5 (440.54), MS (ESI): 441 (MH⁺).

Example 2 2,2-Dimethyl-N-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]succinamide

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine and 2,2-dimethylsuccinic anhydride give 2,2-dimethyl-N-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]succinamide.

C25H34N2O5 (442.56), MS (ESI): 443 (MH⁺).

Example 3 2-Phenyl-N-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]succinamide

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine and 2-phenylsuccinic anhydride give 2-phenyl-N-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]succinamide. C29H34N2O5 (490.60), MS (ESI): 491 (MH⁺).

Example 4 2-[3-(5-Methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylcarbamoyl]cyclo-hexanecarboxylic acid

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine and cis-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride give 2-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl-carbamoyl]cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. C27H36N2O5 (468.60), MS (ESI): 469 (MH⁺).

Example 5

2,2,3,3-Tetrafluoro-N-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl-succinamide

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine and 2,2,3,3-tetrafluorosuccinic anhydride give 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-N-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]-succinamide. C23H26F4N2O5 (486.47), MS (ESI): 487 (MH⁺).

Example 6 (S)-2-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-N-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxy-methyl)cyclohexyl]succinamide

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine and (S)-2-benzyloxycarbonylaminosuccinic anhydride give (S)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-N-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]succinamide. C31H37N3O7 (563.66), MS (ESI): 564 (MH⁺).

Example 7 2-[3-(5-Methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylcarbamoy]cyclo-propanecarboxylic acid

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine and cis-cyclopropane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride give 2-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl-carbamoyl]cyclopropanecarboxylic acid. C24H30N2O5 (426.52), MS (ESI): 427 (MH⁺).

Example 8 2-[3-(5-Methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylcarbamoy]cyclo-entanecarboxylic acid

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylamine and cis-cyclopentane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride give 2-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexylcarbamoyl]cyclo-pentanecarboxylic acid. C26H34N2O5 (454.57), MS (ESI): 455 (MH⁺).

Example 9 2-{Benzyl-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]carbamoyl}-cyclobutanecarboxylic acid

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1, benzyl-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]amine and cis-cyclobutane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride give 2-{benzyl-[3-(5-methyl-2-m-tolyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl)cyclohexyl]carbamoyl}cyclobutanecarboxylic acid. C32H38N2O5 (530.67), MS (ESI): 531 (MH⁺).

Example 10 N-{3-[2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl}-2,2-dimethylsuccinamide

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylamine and 2,2-dimethylsuccinic anhydride give N-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl}-2,2-dimethylsuccinamide. C25H34N2O6 (458.56), MS (ESI): 459 (MH⁺).

Example 11 N-{3-[2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl}-2-phenylsuccinamide

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylamine and 2-phenylsuccinic anhydride give N-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl}-2-phenylsuccinamide. C29H34N2O6 (506.60), MS (ESI): 507 (MH⁺).

Example 12 2-{3-[2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl-carbamoyl}cyclohexanecarboxylic acid

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylamine and cis-cyclohexan-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride give 2-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylcarbamoyl}cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. C27H36N2O6 (484.60), MS (ESI): 485 (MH⁺).

Example 13 2,2,3,3-Tetrafluoro-N-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxy-methyl]cyclohexyl}succinamide

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylamine and cis-2,2,3,3-tetrafluorosuccinic anhydride give 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-N-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl}succinamide. C27H36N2O6 (484.60), MS (ESI): 485 (MH⁺).

Example 14 (S)-2-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-N-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl}succinamide

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylamine and (S)-2-benzyloxycarbonylaminosuccinic anhydride give (S)-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-N-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl}succinamide. C31H37N3O8 (579.65), MS (ESI): 580 (MH⁺).

Example 15 2-{3-[2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl-carbamoyl}cyclopropanecarboxylic acid

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylamine and cis-cyclopropane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride give 2-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylcarbamoyl}cyclopropanecarboxylic acid. C24H30N2O6 (442.52), MS (ESI): 443 (MH⁺).

Example 16 2-{3-[2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl-carbamoyl}cyclopentanecarboxylic acid

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylamine and cis-cyclopentane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride give 2-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylcarbamoyl}cyclopentanecarboxylic acid. C26H34N2O6 (470.57), MS (ESI): 471 (MH⁺).

Example 17 2-{3-[2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl-carbamoyl}cyclobutanecarboxylic acid

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylamine and cis-cyclobutane-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride give 2-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylcarbamoyl}cyclobutanecarboxylic acid. C25H32N2O6 (456.54), MS (ESI): 457 (MH⁺).

Example 18 N-{3-[2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl}succinamide

Analogous to the reaction conditions of example 1,3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexylamine and succinic anhydride give N-{3-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyloxazol-4-ylmethoxymethyl]cyclohexyl}succinamide. C23H30N2O6 (430.51), MS (ESI): 431 (MH⁺). 

1. A compound of formula I

wherein: Ring A is a (C3-C8)-cycloalkanediyl or (C3-C8)-cycloalkenediyl, wherein one or more carbon atoms within the cycloalkanediyl or cycloalkenediyl rings may be replaced by oxygen atoms; R1 and, R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, CF₃, OCF₃, (C1-C6)-alkyl, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SCF₃, SF₅, OCF₂—CHF₂, (C6-C10)-aryl, (C6-C10)-aryloxy, OH, and NO₂; or R1 and R2 together with the phenyl, pyridine, 1-H-pyrrole, thiophene or furan ring are fused, partially saturated or un-saturated, bicyclic (C6-C10)-aryl, (C5-C11)-heteroaryl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6)-alkyl, (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, (C1-C3)-alkyl-(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, phenyl, (C1-C3)-alkyl-phenyl, (C5-C6)-heteroaryl, (C1-C3)-alkyl-(C5-C6)-heteroaryl and a (C1-C3)-alkyl ether group of which optionally may be fully or partially substituted by F; W is CH, N, if o=1; W is O, S, NR9, if o=0; X is a (C1-C6)-alkanediyl, wherein one or more carbon atoms in the alkanediyl group may be optionally replaced by oxygen atoms; Y is selected from the group consisting of CO, SO, and SO₂; n is an integer from 0-2; R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, and (C1-C6)-alkyl; R5 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, and (C1-C6)-alkyl; R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, and (C1-C6)-alkyl; R5 and R6 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached are (C3-C8)-cycloalkane-1,2-diyl; R7 is selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6)-alkyl, (C2-C6)-alkenyl, (C2-C6)-alkynyl, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkynyl, (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, (C6-C10)-aryl, (C5-C11)-heteroaryl, O—(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, O-phenyl, NR10R11 which may be substituted by O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkynyl, O—(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, O-phenyl, O—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, and wherein optionally the (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, phenyl and (C5-C11)-heteroaryl groups may additionally be substituted by (C1-C6)-alkyl, un-substituted or fully or partially substituted by F, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, un-substituted or fully or partially substituted by F, Cl, Br, I, OH, NR10R11, CO—(C1-C6)-alkyl, CO—(C6-C10)-aryl, CO—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, C(O)—O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, C(O)—O—(C6-C10)-aryl, C(O)—O—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SO₂—(C6-C10)-aryl and SO₂—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, wherein the alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups may optionally be further substituted by (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl; R6 and R7 and the carbon atom that carries them comprise (C3-C8)-cycloalkane-1,1-diyl; R8 is H or a (C1-C6)-alkyl; R9 is H, a phenyl or a (C1-C6)-alkyl which may be optionally substituted or un-substituted by a phenyl group; R10 is selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6)-alkyl, phenyl, CO—(C1-C6)-alkyl, CO—(C6-C10)-aryl, CO—(C1-C6)-alkyl-(C6-C10)-aryl, CO—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, C(O)—O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, C(O)—O—(C1-C6)-alkyl-(C6-C10)-aryl, C(O)—O—(C6-C10)-aryl, C(O)—O—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl-(C6-C10)-aryl, SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl-SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SO₂—(C6-C10)-aryl, and SO₂—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, and wherein the alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups may optionally be further substituted by (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl; R11 is H, or (C1-C6)-alkyl which is un-substituted or substituted by phenyl; R12 is H, or benzyl; or a salt, solvate or functional derivative thereof.
 2. A compound of formula I as recited in claim 1 wherein: Ring A is a (C3-C8)-cycloalkanediyl or (C3-C8)-cycloalkenediyl, wherein one or more of the carbon atoms within the cycloalkanediyl or cycloalkenediyl rings may be optionally be replaced by oxygen atoms; and X is (C1-C6)-alkanediyl, wherein an oxygen atom may optionally replace the C1 or C2 carbon atom (with respect to Ring A).
 3. A compound of formula I as recited in claim 2 wherein: R1 is a (C1-C4)-alkyl or O—(C1-C4)-alkyl; R2 is H; R3 is (C1-C4)-alkyl; W is CH, if o=1; X is CH₂—O—CH₂; n is 1; R4 is H or F; R5 is H or F; R6 is H or F; R5 and R6 including the carbon atom to which they are attached comprise a —C3-C8)-cycloalkane-1,2-diyl; R7 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, (C1-C6)-alkyl, phenyl and NH—C(O)—O—CH2Ph; R8 is H; and R12 is H or benzyl.
 4. A pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more of the compounds recited in claim
 2. 5. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4 in combination with one or more additional secondary active ingredients which is therapeutically effective when administered to a patient with metabolic disorders or diseases associated therewith.
 6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4 in combination with one or more additional secondary active ingredients selected from the group consisting of anti-diabetic agents which is therapeutically effective when administered to a patient with diabetes, hyperglycemia and related metabolic disturbances or disorders associated therewith.
 7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4 in combination with one or more additional secondary active ingredients selected from the group consisting of lipid modulators which is therapeutically effective when administered to a patient with diabetes, hyperglycemia and related metabolic disturbances or disorders associated therewith.
 8. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders of fatty acid metabolism and glucose utilization disorders comprising the administration of one or more of the compounds of claim 4 to a patient in need thereof.
 9. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of insulin resistance-related disorders and the disease states or injury manifestations associated therewith comprising the administration of one or more of the compounds of claim 4 to a patient in need thereof.
 10. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of diabetes mellitus and the disease states or injury manifestations associated therewith comprising the administration of one or more of the compounds of claim 4 to a patient in need thereof.
 11. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of of dyslipidemias and the disease states or injury manifestations associated therewith comprising the administration of one or more of the compounds of claim 4 to a patient in need thereof.
 12. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome and the disease states or injury manifestations associated therewith comprising the administration of one or more of the compounds of claim 4 to a patient in need thereof.
 13. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of conditions associated with disorders of fatty acid metabolism and/or glucose utilization and the disease states or injury manifestations associated therewith comprising the administration of one or more of the compounds of claim 4 in combination with at least one additional secondary active ingredient to a patient in need thereof.
 14. A method for the treatment and/or prevention of conditions associated with disorders in which insulin resistance is involved and the disease states or injury manifestations associated therewith comprising the administration of one or more of the compounds of claim 4 in combination with at least one additional secondary active ingredient to a patient in need thereof.
 15. A process for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more of the compounds as recited in claim 4, which comprises mixing the active ingredient with a pharmaceutically suitable carrier, and converting this mixture into a form suitable for administration.
 16. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of metabolic-related disorders and the disease states or injury manifestations associated therewith comprising one or more compounds of formula I

wherein: Ring A is a (C3-C8)-cycloalkanediyl or (C3-C8)-cycloalkenediyl, wherein one or more carbon atoms within the cycloalkanediyl or cycloalkenediyl rings may be replaced by oxygen atoms; R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, CF₃, OCF₃, (C1-C6)-alkyl, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SCF₃, SF₅, OCF₂—CHF₂, (C6-C10)-aryl, (C6-C10)-aryloxy, OH, and NO₂; or R1 and R2 together with the phenyl, pyridine, 1-H-pyrrole, thiophene or furan ring are fused, partially saturated or un-saturated, bicyclic (C6-C10)-aryl, (C5-C11)-heteroaryl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6)-alkyl, (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, (C1-C3)-alkyl-(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, phenyl, (C1-C3)-alkyl-phenyl, (C5-C6)-heteroaryl, (C1-C3)-alkyl-(C5-C6)-heteroaryl and a (C1-C3)-alkyl ether group which optionally may be fully or partially substituted by F; W is CH, N, if o=1; W is O, S, NR9, if o=0; X is a (C1-C6)-alkanediyl, wherein one or more carbon atoms in the alkanediyl group may be optionally replaced by oxygen atoms; Y is selected from the group consisting of CO, SO, and SO₂; n is an integer from 0-2; R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, and (C1-C6)-alkyl; R5 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, and (C1-C6)-alkyl; R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, and (C1-C6)-alkyl; R5 and R6 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached are (C3-C8)-cycloalkane-1,2-diyl; R7 is selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6)-alkyl, (C2-C6)-alkenyl, (C2-C6)-alkynyl, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkynyl, (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, (C6-C10)-aryl, (C5-C11)-heteroaryl, O—(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, O-phenyl, NR10R11 which may be substituted by O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkenyl, O—(C2-C6)-alkynyl, O—(C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, O-phenyl, O—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, and wherein optionally the (C3-C8)-cycloalkyl, phenyl and (C5-C11)-heteroaryl groups may additionally be substituted by (C1-C6)-alkyl, un-substituted or fully or partially substituted by F, O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, un-substituted or fully or partially substituted by F, Cl, Br, I, OH, NR10R11, CO—(C1-C6)-alkyl, CO—(C6-C10)-aryl, CO—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, C(O)—O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, C(O)—O—(C6-C10)-aryl, C(O)—O—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SO₂—(C6-C10)-aryl, SO₂—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, and wherein the alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups may optionally be further substituted by (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl; R6 and R7 and the carbon atom that carries them comprise (C3-C8)-cycloalkane-1,1-diyl; R8 is H or a (C1-C6)-alkyl; R9 is H, a phenyl or a (C1-C6)-alkyl which may be optionally substituted or un-substituted by a phenyl group; R10 is selected from the group consisting of H, (C1-C6)-alkyl, phenyl, CO—(C1-C6)-alkyl, CO—(C6-C10)-aryl, CO—(C1-C6)-alkyl-(C6-C10)-aryl, CO—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, C(O)—O—(C1-C6)-alkyl, C(O)—O—(C1-C6)-alkyl-(C6-C10)-aryl, C(O)—O—(C6-C10)-aryl, C(O)—O—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl-(C6-C10)-aryl, SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl-SO₂—(C1-C6)-alkyl, SO₂—(C6-C10)-aryl, and SO₂—(C5-C11)-heteroaryl, and wherein the alkyl, aryl and heteroaryl groups may optionally be further substituted by (C1-C6)-alkyl or phenyl; R11 is H, or (C1-C6)-alkyl which is un-substituted or substituted by phenyl, phenyl; R12 is H, or benzyl; or a salt, solvate or functional derivative thereof.
 17. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of metabolic-related disorders and the disease states or injury manifestations associated therewith comprising one or more compounds as recited in claim 16 wherein: Ring A is a (C3-C8)-cycloalkanediyl or (C3-C8)-cycloalkenediyl, wherein one or more of the carbon atoms within the cycloalkanediyl or cycloalkenediyl rings may be optionally be replaced by oxygen atoms; and X is (C1-C6)-alkanediyl, wherein an oxygen atom may optionally replace the C1 or C2 carbon atom (with respect to Ring A).
 18. A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of metabolic-related disorders selected from the group consisting of diabetes, hyperglycemia, fatty acid metabolism, glucose utilization disorders, insulin resistance-related disorders and the disease states or injury manifestations associated therewith comprising one or more compounds as recited in claim 16 in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 